Why should I do it:

• Some students get overwhelmed by too much information on a page
• Students who are dealing with ADD/ADHD tend to have difficulties with understanding, breaking up, and digesting directions
• Helps focus students on specific parts and tasks
• Increases understanding, comprehension, and follow through
• Ensures that students understand the words and concepts
• Gives a very good indication as to whether the student understands what to do, where to start, what direction to go in, etc

When should I do it:

• Having students repeat directions back should always be done with students and classes on a regular basis
• When a student has a learning or other disability that affects their comprehension, retention, word understanding, etc
• When a student shows signs of being overwhelmed
• When you are aware of an ADHD/ADD diagnosis either by school or outside school
• When student is reluctant to start work
• When a student completes work incorrectly frequently
• When a student frequently does assignments incorrectly
• When students are not paying attention
• When students are goofing around or are distracted

How do I do it:

• Read the directions to the student or class
• For extensive and multi-part directions, re-read the directions to the student one part, section, or task at a time
• Simplify your language
• Be very concise and clear
• After explaining one part or re-reading one section of the directions, show the student and point to what you are talking about on the page
• Have the student repeat and explain each part of the directions back to you and then all the directions after they have all been gone over
• Encourage the student to repeat the directions in their own words
• After explaining the directions and having the student(s) repeat them back, do one or several problems or items with the student(s)
• Allow a break after student completes a portion of the work

Resources & Support for technique:
(Items with footnotes link to external websites)

• Break Down The Assignment Into Steps ¹
• Teaching a Child With ADHD ²
• ADD/ADHD and School ³

Footnotes:

1. Teach 2 Write, A Guide for Teaching Writing, Office of Instructional Development, UCLA. Break Down The Assignment Into Steps. [http://write.oid.ucla.edu/3-prepare/break-down-assignment].
2. essortment.com. Teaching a Child With ADHD. [http://www.essortment.com/all/adhdteaching_renl.htm].
3. Block, J. and Smith, M. ADD / ADHD and School: Helping Children with ADHD Succeed at School. [http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_teaching_strategies.htm].